Chelle Picks 17-Year-Old Wonder kid for Olympics Qualifiers

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has picked 17-year-old wonderkid Habila Simon for Nigeria’s U-23 team ahead of their upcoming Olympic qualification campaign.

The highly rated youngster will have an opportunity to feature for the Olympic Eagles against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to a report by OwnGoal Nigeria, Simon is the youngest player on the list of invited players for the two-legged qualifying tie, having impressed Chelle with his performances for Nigeria’s U20 team.

Despite his young age, the forward has already demonstrated leadership qualities, having worn the captain’s armband for the U20 national team.

His performances at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations reportedly caught the attention of the Super Eagles coach.

Simon is known for his vision, composure on the ball, ability to operate under pressure, and leadership qualities, attributes that have strengthened his reputation as one of Nigeria’s promising young talents.

His performances have also attracted interest from European clubs, particularly in Belgium and Sweden.

Swedish side AIK reportedly made a strong attempt to secure his signature, hoping to replicate their success with Nigerian youngster Zadok Yohanna, who joined English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.

However, Simon has reportedly agreed to join Slovakian club AS Trenčín, a move expected to provide him with a pathway towards regular first-team football and further development in Europe.

Trenčín have previously helped Nigerian players establish themselves in European football, with Super Eagles stars Moses Simon and Samuel Kalu among those who have played for the club.

Sani Suleiman is another Nigerian talent to have featured for the Slovakian side.

Simon’s inclusion in the U-23 squad represents another significant step in his development, as he looks to build on his experience with Nigeria’s youth teams and establish himself at a higher level of international football.

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles are preparing for a two-legged qualifying encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the first leg scheduled for November 13 in Lubumbashi and the return fixture set for November 17 in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The winner will advance to the final qualifying round of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Egypt in 2027.

The tournament will also determine Africa’s representatives at the men’s football competition of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.